AI & Authentic Assessment in a Digital Era

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Online Conference | Wednesday 1st July 2026 | Free to attend 

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How can educators design meaningful, authentic assessment in a world where AI is becoming part of everyday learning?

As AI becomes increasingly embedded within higher education, institutions are rethinking how they assess learning, develop digital literacy and prepare students for future professional practice. This conference brings together experts from across the sector to share practical approaches, case studies and emerging research that can help educators navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

 

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AI Adoption Strategy - Key organisational considerations

Speakers
  • Kenrick Cabrera, Chief Technology Officer – Oxford International
Session outline

Artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for education providers, but successful adoption requires more than simply introducing new technology. In this session, Kenrick Cabrera shares Oxford International Education Group's approach to AI implementation, exploring the strategic, operational and governance considerations that institutions must address. Attendees will gain practical insights into building an AI adoption strategy that balances innovation, compliance, capability development and measurable organisational value.

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Human–AI Dialogic Assessment: Supporting Authenticity, Feedback and Professional Judgement in Higher Education

Speakers
  • Robert Mitton, Co-founder - BRITEthink
Session outline

Can AI strengthen assessment rather than undermine it? This session explores the emerging role of AI within dialogic assessment and professional discussion, examining how human-AI collaboration can support authentic assessment, richer feedback and professional judgement. Drawing on doctoral research and practical experience, Robert Mitton considers how AI can enhance assessment conversations while maintaining meaningful human oversight.

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Blackboard AI: From Images to AI Conversations at Edge Hill University

 Speakers

  • Stuart Feltham, Digital Learning Technology Manager – Edge Hill University
  • Peter Beaumont, Digital Education Developer – Edge Hill University
Session outline

How can institutions introduce AI tools into virtual learning environments in a way that is both practical and pedagogically sound? This session explores Edge Hill University's approach to implementing AI functionality within Blackboard Ultra, including the decisions behind what has been enabled, what has not, and why. Through practical examples and demonstrations of Blackboard AI Conversations, attendees will gain insights into institutional decision-making, implementation challenges and opportunities for enhancing teaching and learning with AI.

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Reimagining IT & Communications: Embedding AI, Authentic Assessment, and Digital Literacy

 Speakers

  • Helen Wilson, Academic Director - Bangor University International College
  • Tom Ledbury, Programme Lead International Year Zero -
    Bangor University International College

Session outline

This case study examines the redesign of a core university module to address digital literacy, professional communication and academic integrity while introducing students to the responsible use of AI. Helen Wilson and Tom Ledbury share practical examples of authentic assessment design and discuss how AI can be integrated into learning activities that develop real-world skills and student engagement.

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What is Authentic Assessment?

 Speakers

  • Dr Linda Marron PFHEA, Academic Head HE – OIDI
Session outline

 As artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education, educators are increasingly rethinking what authentic assessment means in an AI-enabled world. This session explores the evolving concept of authentic assessment and introduces a practical framework developed through the AI Literacy & Authentic Assessment in Higher Education Collaborative Enhancement Project. Drawing on research, sector collaboration and emerging practice, Dr Linda Marron examines how educators can critically evaluate assessment design, moving beyond fixed definitions to create learning experiences that make students' thinking, judgement and professional capabilities more visible. 

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Fluent but Not Thinking: Designing Against AI Overreliance in Learning

 Speakers

  • Dr. Amani Alabed, Assistant Professor - University of Doha for Science and Technology
Session outline

As AI tools become increasingly capable, how do we ensure they support rather than replace student thinking? This interactive session explores the growing challenge of cognitive offloading and examines how personalised learning design can help students develop critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills. Drawing on current research, Amani Alabed presents practical approaches for building learner capability while preparing students to work effectively in AI-enabled environments.

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Interactive workshop: Beyond Detection: Designing for Metacognition in AI Integrated EMI Assessment

 Speakers

  • Janet Murphy, Instructor - American University of Phnom Penh
Session outline

Moving beyond concerns about AI misuse, this interactive workshop focuses on designing assessment that makes students' thinking visible. Participants will explore practical approaches that encourage learners to explain, evaluate and justify their use of AI, embedding metacognitive practice directly into assessment design. The workshop will be particularly valuable for those seeking alternatives to detection-focused approaches to academic integrity.

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AI & Assessment

 Speakers

  • Dr Alison Willows, Principal Lecturer in Learning & Teaching - University of Brighton
  • Candace Nolan-Grant, Senior Learning Designer - Durham University

Session outline

How can educators provide clear, consistent guidance on the appropriate use of AI within assessment? This interactive session introduces a practical framework that academics can apply to both existing and new assessments, helping students understand when and how AI can be used appropriately. Participants will explore resources developed through the QAA-funded Collaborative Enhancement Project and consider how assessment-specific guidance can strengthen transparency, assessment literacy and educator confidence.

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Utilising Artificial Intelligence to Take Students from Users to Learners

 Speakers

  • Dr Tim Davis, Lecturer in Mathematics - Northeastern University London
Session outline

How can educators help students move from simply using AI tools to learning effectively with them? Drawing on examples from mathematics education, Tim Davis explores practical approaches to developing AI literacy and encouraging students to engage critically with AI-generated content. The session offers transferable ideas that can be applied across disciplines.

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Consultancy Learning in an AI-Integrated World: Designing for Professional Practice

 Speakers

  • Dr Catherine Hine, Lecturer in Leadership - University of Plymouth

Session outline

This session explores how generative AI can be integrated into consultancy-based learning to create authentic, employability-focused assessment experiences. Through a business and management case study, Catherine Hine examines how AI can support students' development of critical thinking, professional judgement, stakeholder communication and decision-making skills while preparing them for AI-enabled workplaces.

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Moving Beyond Product: Embedding Process-Based Assessment and Reflection in group Work

 Speakers

  • Candace Nolan-Grant, Senior Learning Designer - Durham University

Session outline

Traditional assessment often focuses on the final product, overlooking the valuable learning that takes place throughout collaboration. This session explores a process-based assessment model that combines group work with structured individual reflection to better recognise students' contributions, decision-making and professional skills. Drawing on a Durham University case study, attendees will gain practical insights into designing fairer, more authentic assessment that develops collaboration, reflection and graduate attributes in an AI-enabled learning environment.

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Panel: Let’s Talk About Authentic Assessment: A Collaborative Framework

 Speakers

  • Dr Linda Marron PFHEA, Academic Head HE – OIDI
  • Prof. Jo Peat, Head of Educational Development – University of Roehampton
  • Dr. Paul Shore, Associate Dean for Flexible & Digital Learning – The University of Manchester
  • Tina Karalis, EAP online educator & materials developer - OIDI
Session outline

What does authentic assessment look like in an AI-enabled world? In this collaborative discussion, members of the QAA-funded Collaborative Enhancement Project introduce a six-stage framework designed to support authentic assessment across higher education. The session explores how AI is reshaping assessment design, the practical challenges of implementation, and the institutional conditions needed to embed meaningful change. Attendees will gain a practical framework alongside insights from educators working collaboratively to rethink assessment for the future.

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About the Project

This conference forms part of the AI Literacy & Authentic Assessment in Higher Education Collaborative Enhancement Project (CEP), funded by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and led by the Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI).


The project brings together a network of universities and institutions to explore how AI can be used in teaching, learning and assessment for both staff and students, with a particular focus on building confidence, capability and critical understanding.

The conference provides an opportunity to showcase emerging work from across the sector and contribute to ongoing conversations about the future of assessment in higher education.

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